So, your parents are coming to visit…
Option A.
Greet them from the murky depths of your student hovel and proceed to lead them into town, wander around in the cold for a bit and then dive into the nearest provider of hot food, giving the impression that you 1.) are perpetually starving and 2.) rarely make it out of your bedroom – resulting in anguished and guilt-ridden parents wishing they’d never left you to fend for yourself. Then again…
Option B.
Meet them in town fully dressed and ready to give them a whistle-stop tour of Exeter’s finest attractions and dining establishments, giving the impression that you 1.) lead a diverse and balanced lifestyle and 2.) are fully immersed in the local community – resulting in happy parents, proud to have raised such a cultured and mature human being.
[pagebreak]If you’re not sure how best to succeed in the latter, HCX can offer you the following tried and tested parent-proof options for keeping them fed, watered and entertained:
During the day:
Killerton House
If they’ve come with a car, why not visit this beautiful National Trust property (parents like National Trust properties) which offers acres of greenery to wander amongst, a historical fashion collection, quaint tearooms (parents like tearooms) and a gift shop (students like gifts). It’s open all year round and is a great opportunity to get out of Exeter for a bit.
RAMM Museum
The RAMM offers insight into the history of Exeter, as well as antiques and artefacts from countries all around the world. If this sounds unbearably tedious (shame on you) you can always lurk in the shop or the café until they’re done. It’s also one to cross off from HCX’s top five ways to become more cultured! The galleries are definitely worth a visit.
Bill Douglas Centre
Hidden on the ground floor the Old Library is a wealth of treasures from film history. It’s not too big, it’s free and there are loads of old-fashioned film-related spinny things to play around with. Parents will definitely appreciate the chance to have a nose around campus, too.
[pagebreak]Dinner:
Michael Caines Restaurant
Really classy, high quality food with extremely attentive staff. Complimentary platter of miniature tiramisus, passion fruit jelly squares and macaroons at the end of your meal – great way to celebrate being reunited with Ma and Pa. The sophistication comes at a price, so consider arriving before seven for the considerably cheaper Early Dining menu.
Harry’s
Any excuse to visit Harry’s on Longbrook Street will do, and parents visiting is a particularly valid one. A varied menu with something for everyone and a lovely cosy atmosphere. Also offers lunch. Book in advance as we all know how popular it is.
Lunch:
The Cathedral’s Refectory
Lovely food in a charming setting at humble prices. Pair it up with a visit to the Cathedral itself and you’ve got your morning sorted.
The Quay
There are plenty of places for a quick bite here, and watching rowers manipulate the swan-infested water whilst being yelled at by their bike-riding coach is fantastic entertainment. Plus you’ll work off your lunch crawling your way back up the hill.
Enjoy!
Photo Credits:
National Trust Website – Killerton House (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton/)
David Wilson Homes Website (http://www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/devon/H569201-Hillside-Gardens/?WT.mc_id=)
http://www.devonguide.com/phot…